Lavuta Civil Association Rejects Allegations of Corruption and Cronyism

Bratislava, 10 April (TASR) - Lavuta civil association strongly rejects allegations of corruption and cronyism made by the opposition Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) and 'Slovakia' parties regarding a project called 'A Chance for Change for Inactive NEET'. "This isn't about employing 'just' 17 young people out of 170. It's professional work with 170 families," noted Lavuta project manager Andrea Vlkovicova, pointing out that the care provided to families is helping Roma households improve the conditions in which they live and work, raise their children, and serve as role models for others. "It is also very important to realise that targeted professional interventions aren't training sessions. Some politicians should extend their education," she noted in response to critics' comments about the project's limited scope and format. Vlkovicova also noted that the project, which received a grant from the Labour Ministry, is fully compliant with current legislation and the call through which it ensured the non-refundable financial contribution. "It is regularly monitored and has approved measurable indicators, just like any other supported project," she added. Vlkovicova also specified the budget and costs for which the €750,000 grant is being used. "Of that, €540,000 is earmarked for payroll expenses for 25 employees across four districts over 24 months. That amounts to an average total labour cost of €900, with a net monthly salary of €550 per employee," she noted. "The remaining €210,000 covers the costs of renting four offices, equipment, utilities, internet, supplies, administration, and client activities," added Vlkovicova. The 'Slovakia' and SaS parties raised on Thursday (9 April) suspicions of cronyism regarding Government Proxy for Roma Communities Alexander Dasko. The subject of the criticism was a grant of €750,000 received in November 2025 by Lavuta civil association, which was founded by the government proxy and which is currently represented by his wife, Olga Daskova. The opposition parties stated that, given the declared goal of the supported project to engage 170 young people, while only 17 of them are expected to actually secure employment, this constitutes an inefficient use of public funds; they also pointed out that the contractual terms allow the project to be considered successful even with a significantly lower number of people actually employed. The Labour Ministry, which provided the grant in question, told TASR that the project met all the specified conditions and that its approval was endorsed by external expert evaluators. The government proxy told TASR that since taking office, he hasn't been a a member of any organisation or civil association that has received public funds. am